Chicago Criminal Defense Blog

Criminal Defense
February 19th, 2019

Will a Conviction Have a Negative Impact on My Immigration Status?

With all the talk in national politics about border walls and deportation, it is understandable that many people may be concerned about the stability of their immigration status in the United States. People are often brought into ICE custody not just for matters which involve the commission of a criminal offense, but for other concerns...

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Criminal Defense
February 12th, 2019

Proving Intent to Steal in Illinois Burglary Cases

In Illinois, you may be charged with theft if you steal anything of value and exert unauthorized control over the property of its rightful owner. Theft crimes range from stealing tangible goods and money to scamming others online or over the phone. One of those theft crimes is sometimes known as burglary with intent to...

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Disorderly Conduct
February 5th, 2019

Section 1983: Protecting Yourself Against Chicago Police Misconduct

In America, citizens have privileges outlines in the constitution to protect them from abuse and misconduct. Just because these provisions are in place, however, doesn’t mean they’re always adhered to. If a police officer uses excessive force in a way that violates a person’s civil rights, it may be grounds for a valid claim under...

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Criminal Defense
January 29th, 2019

Charged with Drug Possession? What You Should Know About Criminal Immunity

Illinois is not immune to the drug crisis sweeping the nation. Studies show 47,000 people died of opioid-related overdoses nationwide in 2017. Illinois saw a nearly 15 percent jump in drug overdose deaths from 2016 to 2017, and the billion dollar problem is only worsening. To try and curb drug usage and overdose deaths, Illinois...

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Criminal Defense
January 21st, 2019

At What Age Might Your Teen be Charged as an Adult?

The story dominating the headlines at the end of 2018: Two teenagers accused in an act deemed so “evil” by a judge, that they would be tried as adults. Prosecutors say a 17 and a 16-year old lured another 17 and 16-year old into the woods near Chicago’s Golden Gate Park back in August and...

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Police Brutality
January 14th, 2019

Is it Legal to Record Police on Your Cellphone in Chicago?

Over the last few years, phone recordings of police interactions have exploded across the media landscape, sometimes capturing murders or violent beatings by law enforcement. There is inherent value in these recordings, which can exonerate innocent people and shed light on illegal practices within the police force. While you do have the right to record...

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Criminal Defense
January 7th, 2019

New Illinois Laws for 2019: What You Need to Know

The last two years were busy and productive for Illinois legislators, who reportedly filed over 9,600 pieces of legislation. Out of those filings, 253 new laws are taking effect this year, from child car seat rules to active shooter drills. There are also a slew of new criminal laws for 2019 that could affect your...

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Criminal Defense
January 3rd, 2019

Misdemeanor vs. Felony Crimes in Chicago

In Illinois, misdemeanors are crimes that are punishable by less than a year in jail. Crimes that are punishable with sentences of more than a year in the penitentiary are called felonies. There is often more flexibility in sentencing and possible plea negotiations for misdemeanors, but our attorneys have been able to achieve successful results...

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Domestic Violence
December 26th, 2018

Common Domestic Violence Defenses

There are many types of domestic violence that can be litigated in court, including physical, verbal or sexual abuse, intimidation, harassment, and interference with personal liberty. If you are accused of acting aggressively or physically harming another person, the state will attempt to prove the assault, battery or other domestic offense happened to a victim...

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Written by Mitchell S. Sexner Last Updated : October 23, 2023